Gamma Phi Beta - University of Oklahoma

W hile several childhood friends of Karen Gamel Urette '61 were joining another sorority at the University of Oklahoma, there was just something about the warm welcome she received from women at Psi Chapter that made her feel like Gamma Phi Beta would be the perfect home for her. Karen has benefited in more ways than she could have ever imagined from her decision to join Gamma Phi, and it's important to her that future generations of OU collegians prosper at Psi. Karen's contribution to The Next Century of Psi capital campaign will help ensure that our home at 1105 College matches the welcoming vibe that sisters have showcased at Psi Chapter for 103 years. "A house, whether your own or your sorority's, reflects who you are. It is a first impression, and if it isn't positive, that impression is hard to overcome," Karen said. "I remember well the Gamma Phi house when I joined. It was a low-slung, outdated, contemporary-style house, which was totally out of place among the OU sorority houses. Our current house is lovely, but to be truly competitive, our Psi home must match or exceed the architectural styles expected on the OU campus." Even though a move to France with her family limited Karen's Psi Chapter and OU undergraduate experience to her freshman year, she knew her Gamma Phi roots were lifelong. She is extremely proud to share Psi Chapter with her daughter, Tara Urette Johnson '82. Karen and Tara both reside in Tampa, Florida, where Karen is a founding member of the Gamma Phi Beta Tampa Bay Alumnae Chapter. Over the years, Karen has served as a volunteer leader in Gamma Phi in various positions, including province collegiate director, international recruitment consultant, NPC delegate, alternate NPC delegate, 2010 Convention chair, nominating committee member, and recruitment advisor for Eta Eta Chapter. She now serves on the Foundation Board of Trustees as the chair of the newly formed stewardship committee. "It is an honor to serve on the Board of Trustees among so many outstanding women. They are innovative, inspiring, and committed to the motto of Sisters Helping Sisters," Karen said. "Our goal is to increase our financial position to provide more funding for scholarships, leadership opportunities, and loyalty grants. A financially strong foundation is a vital component of our long-term success as One Gamma Phi." Through all of Karen's great Gamma Phi experiences, she'll never forget that it all began for her at Psi. She was honored to be one of Psi Chapter's freshman cast members for Sooner Scandals and for having permission to live in the chapter house while preparing for the performance. Karen can't wait for the collegians and future members to have similar opportunities to build the same special friendships at Psi. She encourages all sisters to join her in giving to the campaign so that they can also give thanks for their Gamma Phi experience. "Having that opportunity to really get to know the members and share the laughter, sisterhood, and even a few tears was an experience I have always cherished," Karen said. You can connect with Karen at murette@ tampabay.rr.com. Paying It Forward at Psi Karen Gamel Urette '61 Shares Why She Contributed to The Next Century of Psi Capital Campaign GAMMA PHI BETA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA COMPELLING As an alumna, Paula has remained dedicated to Gamma Phi and is grateful for the life lessons and opportunities for growth that prepared her to hold various leadership roles in her career. She's also a leader in The Next Century of Psi capital campaign, which she felt compelled to join as an executive board member and a donor, to support future generations of Psi sisters. "Gamma Phi was a transformational experience for me that created confidence and significantly influenced my life," she said. "So, when the chance came to invest in the house and the amazing women who live there now and who will join us in the future, I absolutely wanted to be a part of it. Psi helped make me the person I am today." As Paula sees it, the women following in her footsteps are a part of her story, and she wants to be a part of theirs. "I invite every woman who has had a positive experience as a part of Psi to get involved in this campaign," she stated. "The challenge of this last year—in particular the COVID-19 pandemic—is a real reminder of not taking anything for granted, including the importance of friends and supporting each other. It's never been more important." CATALYTIC Giving back is a critical cornerstone to being a Gamma Phi, and those seeds were planted and nurtured for Paula as an active member, eventually leading her down the path of not- for-profit leadership after college. "There can be a misconception that sorority is only about fun. It is about fun, no doubt about that, but it's also about service. For me, Psi was a catalyst in so many ways," she explained. "Ultimately, when my career in philanthropy really took root, it was like coming home. I love what I do. What I learned through Gamma Phi helped amplify that instinct inside me." To inspire the highest type of womanhood has taken on an even deeper meaning for Paula through her support of the capital campaign. "I believe in planting seeds for others to be the very best they can be and, in turn, setting them up to give back," she said. "Any woman who believes in that vision should consider the brilliance of investing in Gamma Phi— investing in growing strong women." LEADING WITH HEART AND PURPOSE Today, Paula is founder and CEO of HALO Brand Leadership and an award-winning not- for-profit marketer and advertising agency professional with more than three decades of experience. The most rewarding aspect of being a founder has been the privilege of manifesting her own values. For more information on her company and her professional endeavors, visit www.halo.to. In her personal life, Paula is most proud of her family, which includes her husband, Bill, four grown stepchildren, and seven grandchildren. She was also proud to share that her sister, Elizabeth Rozicki-Sharp, is a Gamma Phi Beta initiated at McGill University (Alpha Tau) in 1987. Paula lives in Port Hope, Ontario, and can be reached at paular@halo.to. CAPTIVATED BY THE PSI SISTERHOOD (Continued from page 1)

• Cover